Originally expected to start shipping in April, the Ivy Bridge processor is apparently delayed due to Intel having difficulty shifting stock of its current Sandy Bridge processor inventory. Consumers, it seems, just aren't snapping up notebooks fast enough.

It's not all bad news, though, as according to the report small shipments of Ivy Bridge processors will still be shipped in April. The delay is only affecting the mass shipment of Intel's improved next-gen, power-saving processor.

Consumers are unlikely to be deeply affected by Intel's rumoured delay, but if it turns out Intel's Ivy Bridge is indeed delayed, ultrabooks and notebooks like the upcoming 2012 MacBook range could all suffer in the wake of Intel's interrupted shipments.